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College of Humanities and Social Sciences 
School of Public and International Affairs

Minors

Add value to your degree by completing an academic minor in political science, law and justice or nonprofit studies.

Minor in Political Science

A minor in political science will hone your critical thinking skills and substantive knowledge of public sector institutions and processes. It is excellent preparation for graduate study in political science, public administration or law. You will learn how laws are created and enforced, explore the diversity of political cultures and examine global dynamics and challenges.

  • Completion of 15 hours of political science courses.
  • A grade of “C” or better in each course.
  • A maximum of one course may be used (double-counted) toward both departmental major requirements and minor requirements.
  • Note: no courses for the minor may be taken for S/U credit.
Minor curriculum 

Minor in Law and Justice

A minor in law and justice will expand your understanding of public law, criminal justice and political theory. It develops an understanding of the interplay between law and politics, of the administrative dimensions of law enforcement and criminal justice processes, and of the legal and theoretical dimensions of political life. It provides a valuable foundation for graduate and professional education in law, political science and criminal justice.

  • Students must complete 15 hours of course work with grades of C- or better and with a cumulative average of 2.0 in that course work. Those 15 hours must include five courses selected from the elective course list, including a 400-level or above senior seminar. Seminar courses are marked each semester in the Schedule of Courses by a head note.
  • A maximum of one course may be used (double-counted) towards both departmental major requirements and minor requirements.
  • Note: No courses for the minor may be taken for S/U credit.
Minor curriculum 

Minor in Nonprofit Studies

Classroom experiences and hands-on service learning opportunities with community organizations build students’ knowledge, confidence and skills for effective leadership. Students learn about the development and governance of nonprofits as well as the political, social and economic roles of nonprofit and social sector organizations.

  • Completion of a minimum of 16 credit hours of coursework, including an internship in a nonprofit organization.
  • A grade of ‘C-‘ or better is required in all courses in the minor program.
  • Students must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 to obtain the minor in nonprofit studies.
  • A maximum of one course may be used (double-counted) towards both departmental major requirements and minor requirements.
Minor curriculum 

Admission

Students can apply for admission to any university minor program in MyPack Portal. Admission will be based on the student’s academic record, and in most cases no longer requires departmental review.

How to add a minor